A section of students from University of Hyderabad (UoH) seems to be ready to confront with the university authorities today on the first death anniversary of research scholar Rohith Vemula, on the issue of permission to their protest.

While the university authorities are stating that the permission for protest was not sought, students under the aegis of Joint Action Committee for Social Justice –UoH has given a call to gather at the `Rohith Stupa’ to remember his legacy and to vow the fight would go on against casteism and communalism.

According to University Vice-Chancellor Prof Vipin Srivaastava came to know about `Shahadat Din’ only through newspapers, indicating that `if they go ahead with their programmes it would be unofficial’.However, the students are preparing for a mass gathering, ignoring authorities cautions.

It is expected to be attended by Rohith’s mother Radhika Vemula and family members of Najeeb Ahmed, the JNU student who was allegedly lynched in September, 2015 on suspicion that his family stored and ate beef at their house, besides few dalits who were allegedly thrashed by `cow vigilantes’ at Una in Gujarat last year.

In view of several Dalit organisations and student associations have planned to join hands and organise ‘Chalo HCU’ at the University campus today, it is likely to lead for confrontation with the authorities. According to UoH, there is a ban prevailing on the campus on allowing outsiders into the campus and hence the University will not entertain any outsiders directly or indirectly to enter into the campus. They also recalling that the High Court had barred entry of all outsiders into the University campus.

The JAC members are planning a series of programmes under the banner of ‘Justice for Rohith Vemula’. They include garlanding Vemula’s portraits in all hostels and a remembrance rally. University authorities, had last year, issued a notification banning entry of outsiders, political parties, media and social/student groups.